Zambia is a land of opportunity, with a growing economy and a young, dynamic population. It is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The capital of the country is Lusaka. Also, it is the largest city in the country. From low-cost ventures to manufacturing and online businesses, Zambia offers endless possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best business ideas in Zambia, categorized to suit different budgets and interests. Each idea is explained with cost and income potential highlighted at the end. Let’s dive in and find the perfect idea for you.
Business Ideas in Zambia with K1000
If you have a small budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of business ideas you can start with just K1000. Here are 10 great options:
1. Mobile Airtime and Data Sales
Selling airtime and data bundles is a simple and profitable business. All you need is a smartphone and a small amount of capital to buy airtime in bulk. You can sell to friends, family, and neighbors, or even set up a small stall in a busy area.
- Cost: K1000 for initial airtime stock.
- Income Potential: K200-K500 profit per week.
2. Vegetable and Fruit Vending
Fresh produce is always in demand. With K1000, you can buy vegetables and fruits from local farmers and sell them in your community. Look for high-demand items like tomatoes, onions, and bananas to maximize profits.
- Cost: K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K300-K600 profit per week.
3. Second-Hand Clothing Sales
Second-hand clothes, also known as salaula, are popular in Zambia. With K1000, you can buy a few bales of used clothes and sell them at a profit. This business works well in markets and busy streets.
- Cost: K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K400-K700 profit per week.
4. Snack Vending
Selling snacks like chips, biscuits, and candies is a great way to make money. You can start with a small inventory and sell at schools, bus stations, or offices.
- Cost: K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K200-K500 profit per week.
Read: Best Food Truck Business Ideas
5. Egg Vending
Eggs are a staple in many households. With K1000, you can buy a tray of eggs and sell them at a profit. This business requires minimal effort and has a steady demand.
- Cost: K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K300-K600 profit per week.
6. Popcorn Selling
Popcorn is a cheap and popular snack. With K1000, you can buy maize, oil, and salt to start your own popcorn business. Sell at events, markets, or outside schools.
- Cost: K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K200-K500 profit per week.
7. Homemade Cleaning Products
You can make cleaning products like liquid soap or detergent at home with basic ingredients. With K1000, you can buy the materials and start selling to your community.
- Cost: K1000 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K300-K600 profit per week.
8. Mobile Phone Accessories
Selling phone accessories like chargers, earphones, and cases is a low-cost business. With K1000, you can buy a small inventory and sell at busy locations.
- Cost: K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K200-K500 profit per week.
9. Water Bottling
Clean drinking water is always in demand. With K1000, you can start a small water bottling business. Buy empty bottles and fill them with purified water to sell in your community.
- Cost: K1000 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K300-K600 profit per week.
10. Handmade Paper Jewelry
If you’re creative, make and sell handmade paper jewelry. With K1000, you can buy materials to create unique pieces.
- Cost: K1000 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K200-K500 profit per week.
Business Ideas in Zambia with K500
Even with a budget of K500, you can start a profitable business in Zambia. Here are some lucrative businesses you can start here under K500:
11. Popcorn Selling
Popcorn is a cheap and popular snack. With K500, you can buy maize, oil, and salt to start your own popcorn business. Sell at events, markets, or outside schools.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K100-K300 profit per week.
12. Egg Vending
Eggs are a staple in many households. With K500, you can buy a tray of eggs and sell them at a profit. This business requires minimal effort and has a steady demand.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K150-K400 profit per week.
13. Homemade Cleaning Products
You can make cleaning products like liquid soap or detergent at home with basic ingredients. With K500, you can buy the materials and start selling to your community.
- Cost: K500 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K100-K300 profit per week.
14. Mobile Phone Accessories
Selling phone accessories like chargers, earphones, and cases is a low-cost business. With K500, you can buy a small inventory and sell at busy locations.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K100-K300 profit per week.
15. Water Bottling
Clean drinking water is always in demand. With K500, you can start a small water bottling business. Buy empty bottles and fill them with purified water to sell in your community.
- Cost: K500 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K150-K400 profit per week.
16. Handmade Jewelry
If you’re creative, make and sell handmade jewelry. With K500, you can buy beads, wires, and other materials to create unique pieces.
- Cost: K500 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K100-K300 profit per week.
17. Snack Vending
Selling snacks like chips, biscuits, and candies is a great way to make money. You can start with a small inventory and sell at schools, bus stations, or offices.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K100-K300 profit per week.
18. Vegetable and Fruit Vending
Fresh produce is always in demand. With K500, you can buy vegetables and fruits from local farmers and sell them in your community. Look for high-demand items like tomatoes, onions, and bananas to maximize profits.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K150-K400 profit per week.
19. Small Distribution Business
Distributing products to retailers is a simple and profitable business. All you need is a vacant space for storing inventories and a small amount of capital to buy initial stock. You can sell to local retailers.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K100-K300 profit per week.
20. Second-Hand Clothing Sales
Second-hand clothes, also known as salaula, are popular in Zambia. With K500, you can buy a few bales of used clothes and sell them at a profit. This business works well in markets and busy streets.
- Cost: K500 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K150-K400 profit per week.
Manufacturing Business Ideas in Zambia
If you’re looking for a larger-scale business, consider these manufacturing ideas:
21. Soap Making
Soap is a basic necessity, and making it at home or in a small factory can be very profitable. You can start with simple ingredients and expand as your business grows.
- Cost: K5000-K10,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K2000-K5000 profit per month.
22. Bread Baking
Bread is a daily staple in Zambia. Starting a small bakery can be a great business idea. You can sell to local shops, schools, and households.
- Cost: K5000-K10,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K2000-K5000 profit per month.
23. Plastic Recycling
Plastic waste is a growing problem in Zambia. Starting a plastic recycling business can help the environment while generating income. You can recycle plastic into useful products like bins, chairs, and tables.
- Cost: K10,000-K20,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K5000-K10,000 profit per month.
24. Maize Milling
Maize is a staple food in Zambia. Starting a maize milling business can be very profitable, especially in rural areas where people need their maize ground into mealie meals.
- Cost: K10,000-K20,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K5000-K10,000 profit per month.
25. Candle Making
Candles are used in homes, churches, and during power outages. With a small investment, you can start a candle-making business.
- Cost: K2000-K5000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K3000 profit per month.
26. Brick Making
Construction is booming in Zambia, and bricks are always in demand. Starting a brick-making business can be very profitable.
- Cost: K10,000-K20,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K5000-K10,000 profit per month.
27. Furniture Making
If you have carpentry skills, start a furniture-making business. You can make chairs, tables, and beds for local customers.
- Cost: K5000-K10,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K2000-K5000 profit per month.
28. Clothing Manufacturing
If you have sewing skills, start a small clothing manufacturing business. You can make school uniforms, dresses, and other garments.
- Cost: K5000-K10,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K2000-K5000 profit per month.
29. Paper Bag Making
With the ban on plastic bags, paper bags are in high demand. Starting a paper bag-making business can be very profitable.
- Cost: K2000-K5000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K3000 profit per month.
30. Snack Production
You can start a small-scale snack production business, making items like chips, biscuits, and cookies.
- Cost: K5000-K10,000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K2000-K5000 profit per month.
Home-Based Business Ideas in Zambia
If you prefer working from home, here are great ideas:
31. Tailoring and Fashion Design
If you have sewing skills, you can start a tailoring business from home. Make clothes, uniforms, or even curtains for clients in your community.
- Cost: K1000-K3000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K3000 profit per month.
32. Catering Services
If you love cooking, start a catering business from home. Offer your services for events like weddings, parties, and meetings.
- Cost: K2000-K5000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K2000-K5000 profit per month.
33. Online Tutoring
If you’re good at a subject, offer online tutoring services. You can teach students via Zoom or Skype and earn money from the comfort of your home.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K3000 profit per month.
34. Handmade Crafts
If you’re creative, make and sell handmade crafts like jewelry, baskets, or decorations. You can sell online or at local markets.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K500-K2000 profit per month.
35. Baking
If you love baking, start a home-based bakery. Sell cakes, cookies, and bread to your community.
- Cost: K1000-K3000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K3000 profit per month.
36. Soap Making
You can make and sell soap from home. This is a low-cost business with high demand.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial materials.
- Income Potential: K500-K2000 profit per month.
37. Freelance Writing
If you have writing skills, offer freelance writing services online. You can write articles, blogs, or content for businesses.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
38. Graphic Design
If you’re good at design, offer graphic design services online. You can create logos, posters, and social media content for clients.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and design software).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
39. Online Store
Start an online store selling products like clothes, accessories, or handmade items. You can use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to reach customers.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K1000-K3000 profit per month.
40. Virtual Assistant
Offer virtual assistant services to businesses or entrepreneurs. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and social media management.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
Online Business Ideas in Zambia
The Internet offers endless opportunities for entrepreneurs. Here are the best online business ideas:
41. Freelance Writing or Graphic Design
If you have writing or design skills, offer your services online. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
42. Dropshipping
Start an online store without holding inventory. Partner with suppliers who ship products directly to your customers. This is a low-risk business with high potential.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
43. Social Media Management
Many businesses need help managing their social media accounts. If you’re good at creating content and engaging audiences, this could be a great business for you.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
44. Online Courses
If you’re an expert in a particular field, create and sell online courses. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to reach a global audience.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
45. Blogging
Start a blog on a topic you’re passionate about. You can earn money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial setup.
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
46. YouTube Channel
Create a YouTube channel and upload videos on topics you’re passionate about. You can earn money through ads and sponsorships.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a smartphone or camera).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
47. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products online and earn a commission for every sale. You can use social media or a blog to reach your audience.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
48. E-commerce Store
Start an e-commerce business selling products like clothes, accessories, or handmade items. You can use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to reach customers.
- Cost: K500-K1000 for initial stock.
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
49. Digital Marketing Services
Offer digital marketing services like SEO, PPC, and content marketing to businesses. This is a high-demand field with great earning potential.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
50. Online Tutoring
If you’re good at a subject, offer online tutoring services. You can teach students via Zoom or Skype and earn money from the comfort of your home.
- Cost: K0 (if you already have a computer and internet).
- Income Potential: K1000-K5000 profit per month.
Final Thoughts
Zambia is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs. Whether you have a K500 or K1000, want to work from home, or dream of starting a manufacturing business, there’s something for everyone. The key is to choose an idea that matches your skills, interests, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I sell in Zambia?
The 10 best-selling products in Zambia at present are the following:
- Mobile Phones.
- Cosmetics
- Computers and Accessories.
- Books
- Educational Materials.
- Clothing and Fashion Accessories.
- Tobacco and Alcohol.
- Building Materials.
- Skincare Products.
- Electrical Appliances.
What are the best cities to start a business in Zambia?
Some of the best business-friendly places and cities in Zambia are as follows:
- Lusaka.
- Ndola.
- Kitwe.
- Chingola.
- Kabwe
- Mufulira.
- Luanshya.
- Livingstone.
How do I start a business in Zambia?
Any foreign investor can incorporate a sole director company in Zambia. One can register a fully owned local company here in this country even without having any Zambian shareholders. The most common form of registering a local firm in Zambia is a limited liability company.
Here are the steps to start a business in Zambia;
- Find a Business Name
- The declaration of compliance (Companies Form 11) must be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Obtain a tax ID number.
- Register for Social Security.
- Pay Business Levy
- Register for VAT.
- Open a Business Bank Account
In addition, check with local competent authorities and find out the specific licenses and permits that are required to run your selected business in the desired locality in Zambia.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.